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I know. I know you don’t waaah-NUH.

Photo by Vicky Lorencen

But it’s time, my sweetness.

It is time.

Come, let me take your hand. (Wow. That is cold. We’ll talk about your circulation issues later.) We both know what needs to happen, and I’m here to help you do it.

Take a deep breath and repeat after me: “I am a writer.”

I can’t hear you, my little petunia. Try a-gain. Whisper it, if that helps. “I am a writer.”

See? I knew you could say it. (Do your hands always get this clammy?) Now, eat your cookie.

Earlier this summer I was at a conference where I met dozens of new writer kin and what ghasted my flabber was that several of these real writers (not dabblers or sometimers–the actual writing writer variety–with an agent no less!) were reluctant to call themselves a writer.

Now, I know the reasons for this reluctance are legion . . .

• I’m “pre-published,” so I feel like an imposter. Writers are people who write. Authors are writers who are published. If you write novels/picture books/articles/manuscripts or copy of any kind, you, my darlin’, are a writer. If you’ve spent years thinking about/intending to/wanting to but never really writing, then sorry, you’re probably right not to call yourself a writer. You’re more of a writer in waiting. And that’s okay too.
• I want to avoid the inevitable questions/unwelcome comments/unsolicited advice. You don’t want to be asked, “Where can I buy your book?” (if you don’t have one yet or it’s gone out of print). You don’t want to hear, “You’re going to be rich and famous! You’re going to be the next Harry . . .” you know the rest. Don’t deny who you are because you’re shy about silly, innocent, well-meaning questions or comments. Those will morph over time, but they won’t go away. Learn to nod and smile. You’re cool. You can handle this.
• I don’t want the pressure. You know what? Maybe it’s not a bad thing. Instead of pressure, maybe let’s think of it as motivation. Show the world you’re for reals.
• I’m not worthy of the title. Do you need a hard pinch? Stop that silliness right now. You love words. You care about craft. You’re willing to spend hours in isolation to revise and polish. You seek feedback. You take risks. You spend dollars you could devote to shoe-shopping so you can go to workshops to improve your skills. Heck, if you work any harder, you’re going to be OVER-worthy. You can wear the title of writer with pride. You’re stone cold legit.
• I’m afraid I’ll be asked to perform an emergency tracheotomy. No, no, lamb chop. That’s what might happen if you say you’re a doctor. Stick with writer. No incisions needed.

You recognize your reluctance. Now, acknowledge your fear. Then do the right thing anyway. Come on out. Say it loud and proud–I am a WRITER!

Enjoy that feeling of empowerment. Your bravery will be rewarded. And, yes, of course, you can have a cookie.

The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong. ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Phtot by Vicky Lorencen

Back in the day, I had the joy of teaching an introductory writing course. My classes were primarily filled with young adults who were brand new to college. And it wasn’t unusual for a student to tell me he was the first in his family to extend his education beyond high school. Knowing this, I felt a particular obligation to make sure my students had a strong start to their academic careers. And so, I would begin the semester by revealing my secrets for scholarly success (aside from the obvious–stellar study and organizational skills, and an ample snack stockpile).

Recently, it occurred to me these secrets may be applicable to you as well, my writing friends. (Shazam!) Since you’re the bees knees and the cat’s pajamas, I want to pass along these secrets, which I guess, won’t exactly make them secrets any more. Let’s call them my Top Two Tips of All Time. Catchy, huh?

Here we go . . .

1. Show up. Sounds obvious, but you’d be gobsmacked how many otherwise capable people stumble on this very step.

2. Ask questions. Maybe I’m making too much of this, but I see the ability to speak up and ask questions as a sign of self-respect. By asking for the information you need, you’re saying, I matter.

Let’s break this down a bit. How would a writer apply these two simple tips? Let me suggest the ways . . .

Show up . . .

For deadlines.

For writing time.

For your writing friends.

For your agent and editor.

For conferences and workshops.

Ask questions . . .

For me, that’s how most writing projects begin. I start with a character or concept and begin asking questions. Then, I draft character sketches and ask my characters questions.

When an opportunity present itself, grill yourself with questions–Is this right for me? Is now the right time? What is motivating me to say yes? (desperation?) or no? (fear?) What do I need to ask before I can make an intelligent decision? What will this opportunity require of me? What will I gain? What will I have to give up? How will it benefit me or others?

Sometimes, this includes asking for help–I’m feeling stuck. Would you read my manuscript and give me your honest feedback? I’m feeling lonely and/or depressed, can we talk? I’m thinking of taking a class, what would you recommend? Can you tell me how to do school visits? Could you tell me where you keep your emergency supply of chocolate?

Other times, this may include asking if you can help someone else–Would you like to join our critique group? Would you like a beta reader? You seem a little down. How can I encourage you today? Who said you could break into my emergency supply of chocolate?

Thinking about your writing path–what should my next step be? Is this manuscript ready to send out? How can I know for sure? Should I query agents? How do I know who’s a good fit for me? Is it time to try a new genre? Why haven’t I won the Newbery yet?

There you have it!

Did I forget any? (See what I did there? Of course you did.)

Asking the right questions takes as much skill as giving the right answers. ~ Robert Half

Photo by Vicky Lorencen

In the spirit of Independence Day, I present to you [cue the fife and drum please] . . .

A Writer’s Bill of Rights

You have the right to observe, but not follow trends.

You have the right to seek a second opinion.

You have the right to ask, “What if?”

You have the right to laugh at your own writing. Hey, if you’re funny, you’re funny.

You have the right to leave your beloved critique group if it’s no longer serving its purpose.

You have the right to say no when a friend of a friend asks for feedback on her 1,000-word non-fiction picture book about the history of toe jam.

You have the right not to feel guilty if someone asks for your honest opinion and doesn’t like your response (assuming you delivered the news graciously).

You have the right to try a new genre.

You have the right to read reviews, even if everyone advises against it. (And you have the right to admit it when everyone was right.)

You have the right to think a certain author or book (or movie based on that book) is lame, even if everyone else thinks it’s the greatest thing since WiFi.

You have the right to love a certain author or book even if no one else does.

You have the right to prefer printed books to e-books (or vice versa).

You have a right to take a break from writing (or the pursuit of publication) if you need to. Plus, you have the right to not feel guilty about it.

You have the right to scrap the whole darn thing and start over.

You have the right not to participate in every form of social or digital media imaginable simply for the purpose of following the crowd.

You have the right to be selective and protective of your time.

You have the right to ignore feedback if it does not ring true to you or serve your story.

You have the right to pass on an opportunity because you know it’s not right for you, even if (and especially if) you’re feeling desperate and needy.

Did I miss any rights? If so, you, my friends, have every right to add more.

Now, go exercise your freedom!

I was intelligent enough to make up my own mind. I not only had freedom of choice, I had freedom of expression. ~  Amy Tan

Who knows if he really did, but Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.”

Actually, it does sound like Ben, doesn’t it? He was a smart guy and all, but as a writer himself, he should have known better than to ever say such a thing about excuse-makers. Writers are brilliant at writing and at excusing themselves. But I have noticed, the excuses do tend to be a bit generic and predictable–I have writer’s block. My muse has left me. It’s too pretty to stay inside and write. I can’t find the time. My eyes are demon possessed. You’ve heard them all before.

So, as my gift to you, my talented blogophiles, I am offering ten lemony fresh excuses . . .

1. My characters were summoned for jury duty. Yes. All of them. Even the kids. [Fist to the sky. “Curse you, judicial process!”]
2. I have temporary typing-amnesia. What? Use a pen and paper instead? And risk sustaining a paper cut? Madness! Besides, I’m afraid I might be penphobic.
3. I’ve buckled under the barometric pressure.
4. My toaster is overpopulated with crumbs. It must be thoroughly cleaned. Twice. Safety first. Say, you have a toaster, too, don’t you?
5. I have a sudden, irresistible urge to donate an organ.
6. I must construct a cave to age my cheese. I must. Darn it all to heck. I must.
7. My computer is locked on 6 point Vladimir Script. I can’t read my own writing.
8. Great Aunt [insert name here] called and she wants to tell me her life story. Today. She’s 104.
9. I’ve been commissioned to write New Zealand a new national anthem. They need 18 stanzas. But first, I have to learn Maori.
10. I was doing research on the agricultural practices of Native Americans in the 1500s and learned how corn was planted. Corn planting made me think of candy corn. Candy corn made me think of corn rows. Corn rows made me think of that 80s movie “10” with Bo Derek and Dudley Moore, and that made me think of another Dudley Moore movie, “Arthur,” which I love. So, I made myself some popcorn (so appropriate, right?) and watched it. By then, I kind of forgot why I was doing the research in the first place. What was the question?

Use as many of these as you like this summer, but don’t blame me (or Ben). That would be inexcusable.

I attribute my success to this – I never gave or took any excuse. ~ Florence Nightingale (Well, good for you, Flo.)

Photo by Vicky Lorencen

In the spirit of Halloween, I bring you ten truly frightening writing-related thoughts . . . (brace yourself)

1. What if your last great idea really was your last great idea?
2. What if you were forced to write a trilogy on a manual typewriter—by the light of a jack o’ lantern?
3. What if Spellcheck had to be obeyed?
4. What if the publishing industry adopts a Hunger Games style system for awarding contracts?
5. What if there is, dare I say it, a comma shortage?
6. What if the silent g and the silent p refuse to remain so?
7. What if the act of writing causes cellulite?
8. What if all books were based on 70s TV shows?
9. What if editors demand all novels include calculus?
10. What if your big-mouthed muse starts her own blog?

Bonus scary thought–What if Donald Trump writes a bestselling picture book and his hairstyle starts trending? (How hairifying!)

Happy Halloween from Frog on a Dime!

Once we are aware of our fears, we are almost always capable of being more courageous than we think. Someone once told me that fear and courage are like lightning and thunder; they both start out at the same time, but the fear travels faster and arrives sooner. If we just wait a moment, the requisite courage will be along shortly.  ~ Lawrence Block

Illustration by Vicky Lorencen

Once upon a long time ago, I thought I wanted to be an author/illustrator. I took a lot of art classes in high school, alongside humanities and literature classes. But when it came time to declare a major in college, I opted for English. I don’t regret that decision. It has served me well.

If nothing else, my early art dabblings have given me an even deeper appreciation for the gorgeous work produced by professional illustrators. They are the reason I (and I suspect most of us) fell in love with children’s books in the first place.

Illustration by Vicky Lorencen

Soon, Frog on a Dime will be hosting two tip-top talented illustrators. I know I usually talk about writing here, but these artists are the music to our lyrics. Please come back and enjoy. I find their journeys, and their creativity, inspiring. I bet you will too.

In the meantime, here’s some of my refrigerator art from once upon a long time ago–circa high school, 10th grade.

Illustration by Vicky Lorencen

Illustration by Vicky Lorencen

Illustration by Vicky Lorencen

My life will be the best illustration of all my work. ~ Hans Christian Andersen

Photo by Vicky Lorencen

This week I read a blog post by an author who shared her frustrations over a particular manuscript’s near-misses. This author’s husband towed her from melancholy by reminding her of all she’s gained amid her pursuit of a sale. The sad sack author glanced over her shoulder to see the accumulation of things—including her husband and her child—that came, at least in part, because of her publishing pursuits (regardless of the coveted contract).

Feeling inspired, I compiled my own list of accidental treasures I’ve accumulated as I push (tumble/slide/skid) toward publication.

1. My concentric circle of friends. It is difficult for me to imagine my life without this ever-growing congregation of creative people (mostly because I don’t want to imagine it!) Every year since I got serious about writing, I’ve had the outrageous fortune of adding more smart, talented, soul-sweetening friends into my life. I could stop the list right here and be satisfied.
2. Books and their authors. How many times have I had the pleasure of reading a book by someone I actually know? Lots. Not everybody has that in their lives. I do. I don’t have to rely on Goodreads or Amazon to tell me what to read next. I know amazing authors who faithfully produce well-crafted literature I can devour. It’s a fine system, if you ask me.
3. Travels and experiences. The Big Apple; mountainous Montpelier, Vermont; lovely Lake George in upstate NY; charming Chautauqua, NY; homey Honesdale, PA; plus oodles of spots in my home state of Michigan (including one-of-a-kind Mackinac Island). Now, I know this isn’t exactly a list of the world’s four corners, but I loved all of these places and it’s quite likely I would have missed most of them (minus Michigan, of course) had it not been for my publishing pursuits.
4. Frog on a Dime. Never thought I’d be a blogger, but this is fun, and I owe it all to my writing ambitions.

How about you? Stop for a moment. Look back. Look around. How is your life different–better–because of your passion for writing? You may be surprised and delighted by your own list. (You’re welcome to share it with me, if you like.)

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Photo by Vicky Lorencen

Yes, I lied. But I had a good reason. It made my life simpler.

See, ages ago, when I was college-bound, well-meaning folks asked me about my intended major. When I said, English, they’d immediately said, “Oh, you’re going into journalism, then.” And I would nod.

I was nod-lying, you know. I never intended to become a journalist. I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer–a children’s writer, specifically. But admitting that was too messy. There’d be uncomfortable follow-up questions I wasn’t prepared to answer. Or worse yet, there’d be unfounded advise or words that sounded like “How interesting,” which really meant, “That’s not a real job, Sweetheart.” And so, to avoid all that discomfort, I lied.

Learning to un-lie about my ambition was a process. While still in college, I decided to “out” myself to an English professor because it seemed relatively safe. The good thing was, he took me seriously. In a letter of recommendation, he wrote (among other things), “I believe Vicky’s chances of success with her chosen profession are better than most because she is willing to define herself so exactly.” That experience bolstered my courage–a tad.

I endured lots of awkward, sidestepping conversations before I could say, “I’m a writer and I want to write for children,” without first weighing the potential for quizzical looks. But you know what? Telling on myself was freeing. Making my dreams known opened up connections with once-unknown-to-me children’s authors in my own community, allowed me to grow, to network and to uncover resources to advance my pursuits toward publication.

Now, back to that nod-lying I’d mastered long ago, it turns out that skill can be re-warmed and re-applied (minus the actual lying part, which is nice). When you say, “I’m working on a children’s book,” and someone starts in with all of their well-meaning advice, you can simply smile and nod. They’re just being kind because they’re excited for you. You are pursuing your dream–and extraordinary dream–and that excites people and makes them want to help you (even if they don’t know what the heck they’re talking about). And that’s cool. Those are among the people who will be celebrating with you when your book comes out.

Please try being honest about your ambitions and what’s in your heart.  You will be amazed by how liberating and energizing it will be. Good things and great people will find you as a result.

Before I let you go, you want to try that nodding thing with me? Sure you do. Go ahead try it. Turn up the corners of your mouth and bob your head gently up and down. Don’t overdo it. We aren’t going for bobblehead, just polite recognition of what’s being said to you. Now, wasn’t that easy? (Ahem. That’s your opportunity to practice nodding and smiling.)

Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly. ~ Franz Kafka

Apply within

My goal is to become better acquainted with my already-identified main character as early in the novel-writing process as possible. Why? Well, for one thing, that kid and I are going to spend a heck of a lot of time together. But also, knowing him allows me to anticipate how he’ll think and feel in the situations I’ll plot for him.

Based on the interview outcomes for each player–primary and secondary–I’ll compile character sketches. Each character has a job to do and I want to make sure they’re up for it. Slackers need not apply!

Oh sure, my characters will surprise me as we go–and that’s the fun part–but I hope hosting a meet and greet for the entire cast at the outset proves helpful before we buckle up and motor into the unknown together.

Here are some sample character interview questions:
Who is your hero?
What’s your favorite day of the week? How come?
What’s under your bed?
What’s your earliest memory?
Do you have any allergies?
What candy is your all-time favorite?
If you could change your name, what would it be?
What’s your biggest fear?
What are you good at in school?
What do you wish you were good at?
When you look in a mirror, what part of your face do you like best?
What do you like to do when you get home from school?
Do you have a pet?
Do you have brothers or sisters?
How do you parents get along?
Who lives at your house?
What’s the best vacation or trip you’ve ever taken?
What seems unfair to you?
If you could live in another time in history, when would it be?
What ticks you off?
What rule would you change if you could?
What would happen if your best friend moved away?
What’s your least favorite chore at home?
Do you have a bad habit?
Do you like being hugged?
What would you do with $100?

These are just some starters. I know you can think up even better ones.

Why not interview your characters too? Even if you’re already mid-novel, it’s not too late to conduct an impromptu Q and A session. You may discover something that will add depth or quirkiness to your characters and “maybe” even help to explain why they do what they do (or aren’t cooperating!)

Have fun!

Every time I write a new book, I want to push myself to try something different. ~ Lauren Myracle

Two monks, both heavy smokers, were unable to stop smoking during prayers. To solve this dilemma, they each wrote a letter to the Pope and asked for his ruling.

Three weeks later they found, to their surprise, that the Pope had given only one of them permission to smoke. On comparing their letters, they found the explanation. The first monk had asked, “May I smoke during prayers?” and the answer was, “No.” The second monk, however, had framed his question differently: “May I pray while I am smoking?”

Successful people ask better questions,
and as a result, they get better answers.
- Tony Robbins

The ability to ask the right questions is the “black belt” in the art of negotiations. Knowing how to ask questions is a powerful tool not only in business negotiations but also in our personal life. Questions can build a bridge between people and form a basis for dialogue.

But it only works if the question is carefully worded. Like any tool, if it is used improperly it can backfire. Suppose you meet a friend who is dealing with a personal crisis. Asking him, “What is your problem?” won’t help much. But if you ask him, “Would you like to talk about your problem? I am a good

listener,” this will open the gate and allow him to speak and get relief.

Whenever you need to ask a question, learn from the monk.

—Courtesy: Bruno’s One Minute eMail

Add a Comment More from this Blog | Email This | Add a Tag 16. Info for you Add/View Comments | Previous | Top | By: gylcjournal, on 5/28/2011 Blog: A GYLC scholar (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap) JacketFlap tags:  Mixed bag, Add a tag How to detect a HIDDEN CAMERA in trial rooms……… In front of the trial room take your mobile and make sure that mobile can make calls……. . Then enter into the trial room, take your mobile and make a call….. If u can’t make a call……!! !! There is a hidden camera…… This is due to the interference of fibre optic cable during the signal transfer…. .. **HOW TO DETECT A 2-WAY MIRROR? When we visit toilets, bathrooms, hotel rooms, changing rooms, etc., How many of you know for sure that the seemingly ordinary mirror hanging on the wall is a real mirror, or actually a 2-way mirror I.e., they can see you, but you can’t see them. There have been many cases of people installing 2-way mirrors in female changing rooms or bathroom or bedrooms. It is very difficult to positively identify the surface by just looking at it. So, how do we determine with any amount of certainty what type of Mirror we are looking at? CONDUCT THIS SIMPLE TEST: Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there is a GAP between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is a GENUINE mirror. However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail, then BEWARE, IT IS A 2-WAY MIRROR! (There may be someone seeing you from the other side). So remember, every time you see a mirror, do the “fingernail test.” It doesn’t cost you anything. It is simple to do. This is a really good thing to do. The reason there is a gap on a real mirror, is because the silver is on the back of the mirror UNDER the glass. Whereas with a two-way mirror, the silver is on the surface. Keep it in mind! Make sure and check every time you enter in hotel rooms. Add a Comment More from this Blog | Email This | Add a Tag © 2017 Jacketflap.com                         About Us   FAQ   Advertise on JacketFlap   About our Widgets program for Publishers   Privacy   Terms